Nourish Our Neighbors Donation Drive

Wednesday, November 13 – Tuesday, November 19, 10am – 4pm

With 11.5% of Ohio households facing food insecurity, significantly higher than the national average, donations of jelly, shelf-stable milk, nut butter, whole grain cereals and other non-perishables are urgently needed. That’s why we’re partnering with Hunger Network this holiday season.

As one of Cuyahoga County’s largest emergency food providers, Hunger Network serves more than 45,000 individuals each month and even with food rescue and donations, Hunger Network pays for 95% of the food they distribute.

For 7 days (Wednesday, November 13 – Tuesday, November 19, 10am – 4pm), donate at least one much-needed item to Hunger Network at our ticket counter and receive $7 off your same-day admission.

Members bringing in healthy staples and common necessaries will be entered for a chance to win a free, 1-year extension to their Annual Pass.

For information on other ways you can support Hunger Network (including its annual Night to Fight Hunger fundraiser on Friday, November 1, 2024 at Intercontinental Hotel & Convention Center) or become a food rescue volunteer, visit hungernetwork.org.

Each donation = $7 off general admission for 1 adult or child; limit 1 discount per guest. Valid for same-day admission only and cannot be used in conjunction with any other rate or offer. Donors should not purchase advance tickets to visit.

For questions about donating, contact the Greater Cleveland Aquarium at 216.862.8803 ext. 7700.

You know which fish are the smartest? The ones that spend the most time in schools, of course!

To salute some of the (sea) stars of learning, we’re inviting all classroom educators to add a splash of fun to their return to academia with a FREE visit. During Back-to-Schooling September, pre-K – college educators are invited to enjoy a no-cost aquatic adventure. In addition to free admission and parking (with validation), teachers who visit in September are also eligible for 10% off any level Annual Pass AND will be entered for a chance to win a $100 Staples® gift card to help with student or office supplies.

After going nose-to-nose with native turtles, peering at poison dart frogs, marveling over moon jellies, spotting seadragons and standing under sandtiger sharks, visiting educators have the opportunity to check out an array of educational, curriculum-based program and fieldtrip options that can help energize students’ curiosity about the natural world.

FREE for classroom educators with valid ID.

This limited time offer applies solely to the educator and is not available online. To access free admission during Back-to-Schooling September, pre-K/elementary/middle/high school teachers and college professors must present proof of employment at the front Ticket Counter the day of their visit.

Offer includes parking with ticket validation but does not cover family, friends or guests.

Passholder Urban Birding

Monday, August 12, 10am – noon

Join an Aquarium Educator on an Urban Bird Walk. We’ll find as many birds as possible and contribute to citizen science as we log the data in real-time using the eBird app. Compare bird species in the industrial flats to lakefront property at Metroparks’ Wendy Park. The Aquarium provides binoculars and a guide to common birds in the area. Please dress for the weather, this event takes place outside.

Cost: FREE for Passholders

Duration: up to 2 hours

Total Hiking Distance: 2.5 miles

This is a FREE opportunity exclusively for Passholders. Make sure you are logged into your account to reserve $0 tickets or call 216.862.8803 x7717. 

We are offering free general admission for active duty military, veterans and first responders* July 4 – 8, 2024, along with free parking with front ticket counter validation during their visit.

Eligible guests must present appropriate ID. Appreciation offer is only available in-person. Please do not purchase tickets online if you intend to take advantage of this offer. It cannot be combined with other discounts or offers.

*Eligible guests include active-duty military, veterans or reservists, physicians, nurses, police officers, sheriff/sheriff’s deputies, correctional officers, state troopers, federal law enforcement officers, career firefighters, volunteer firefighters, EMTs, paramedics and/or dispatchers with ID. (Does not apply to accompanying family members or guests.)

Passholders are invited to take a sneak peek behind-the-scenes for our freshwater galleries, complete a craft with one of our team members, enjoy story time, get a complimentary photo from the photo booth or just enjoy the Aquarium without first-time guest crowds.

FREE for Passholders with advance registration. (You must be logged into your member account online to access tickets.)

Enhance your homeschool journey with special program days designed for families. Enjoy special admission rates and unique experiences tailored for at-home learners with advance registration. Each program day explores a fun, educational theme. Choose your favorite or join us for all!

Embark on a self-guided scavenger hunt through our galleries, using themed activity sheets curated for students of all ages. Visit our educator-led stations for hands-on learning and check the daily schedule for additional fun.

Appreciate the little things! Take a closer look at unique adaptations and be wowed by biodiversity. Join us this Earth Day to discover what you can do to have a positive impact on aquatic life.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Spring Discovery Days. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families

Educator-led discovery station 10:30-11:30 & 12:30-1:30.

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Discover how sharks and stingrays are vital to a healthy ocean ecosystem. Find out what makes elasmobranchs unique during this JAWsome Aquarium visit.

*Overlaps with the Aquarium’s Fin Fest. Take advantage of this discounted rate for homeschool families.

Educator-led activity available: TBD

Scavenger hunt available 10am-5pm

Plan your visit to coordinate with the Daily Activities Schedule.

$11 general, homeschool students (age 2+) & adults

FREE, Passholders & guests younger than 2

Advance registration required. 

Stay in the know about upcoming homeschool programs and events. Join our eNewsletter.

Each Homeschool Class offers 2 simultaneous sessions:
10:15am –11:30am (grades 4-8)
10:15am – 11:30am (grades K-3)

• Each session contains unique, age-appropriate activities.
• Sessions begin promptly at 10:15am, please arrive on time.
• Adults are expected to stay and participate in the program with their students.
• Class fee includes the program PLUS Aquarium admission for the full day. Please feel welcome to explore the galleries more thoroughly after class.
• The classroom will remain available for 30min following the program.
• Please feel welcome to bring and eat a packed lunch. Zero waste lunches are highly encouraged.

Advance registration is required. 

Student: $11
Passholder student: $8
Adult: $11
Passholder adult: $8
Sibling child (age 2-4): $11
Passholder sibling child (ages 2-4): $8

Guests younger than age 2 are free.

Investigate how living things have adaptations to help them get oxygen, find food, use water and seek shelter. Which animals breathe with lungs and which breathe with gills? Is there a fish that actually spits water to hunt? Who has the most impressive camouflage? Observe hundreds of amazing animal adaptations on a guided scavenger hunt through the Aquarium.

After working as a team to build both a freshwater and saltwater food chain, journey into the Aquarium to find out what animals eat. Learn how certain animals avoid becoming prey by utilizing venomous spines, poisonous glands, incredible camouflage and more. Explore what and how aquatic producers, herbivores, carnivores and omnivores eat. Discover how humans fit into the food chain too!